E-Newsletter

Los Angeles: Hollywood & Los Feliz

5/3/2006
— By Robert Firpo-Cappiello

Formerly the film industry's center, Hollywood is now filled with more tourists than movie execs. The L.A. Zoo and Griffith Park, one of the biggest green spaces in any U.S. city, are nearby in calmer Los Feliz.

SEE Hollywood Forever Cemetery6000 Santa Monica Blvd., 323/469-1181, hollywoodforever.comA haunt that's pure Hollywood. This functioning funeral home and cemetery is the resting place for Rudolph Valentino and Cecil B. DeMille, among many others. Curious visitors can view the deceaseds' "LifeStories" on television screens found on kiosks throughout the park. In summer, cult movies are shown, and the grounds turn into a picnic area. Call for a calendar of events. Screenings are $10.

EAT Lucy's el Adobe Cafe5536 Melrose Ave., 323/462-9421 One of the best places for Mexican food in all of L.A.--everyone from studio executives to neighborhood regulars agrees. The cheap margaritas and hefty portions of chili and cheese enchiladas and arroz con pollo can't be beat.

SPLURGE Geisha House6633 Hollywood Blvd., 323/460-6300, geishahousehollywood.comA lot of Ashton Kutcher's money has gone into creating a unique experience at this übertrendy dinner hotspot. The decor is flashy and the clientele even flashier. Fireplaces, red lacquer tables, and pink and red lighting all work together to create a dramatic, almost theatrical, environment. The menu features new twists on old Japanese favorites (for sushi, try the Marilyn Monroll or Green Lawn Roll), and the cocktails are fit for an emperor. Great for large groups--sharing food is encouraged. Try the Five Spice Chocolate Mousse for dessert.

DRINK The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel 7000 Hollywood Blvd., 800/950-7667, hollywoodroosevelt.comJust about any night of the week there's a private poolside party at the revitalized Hollywood hangout. Skip the hassle of bouncers and guest lists and go before sundown to have drinks in the linen bungalows at the new Tropicana Bar alongside the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal, Jessica Simpson, and Owen Wilson.

PLAY Dodger Stadium1000 Elysian Park Ave., 323/224-1500, losangeles.dodgers.mlb.comCheck the L.A. Times sports pages or the Dodgers' website for a schedule of home games. From $12 for Reserve (midlevel) seats; from $75 for Field Box MVP; and for those who don't mind having a hot dog without the beer, there are alcohol-free Pavilion seats in the outfield, from $8.

PLAY Lucky Strike Lanes 6801 Hollywood Blvd., entrance on N. Highland Ave., 323/467-7776, bowlluckystrike.com/hollywoodParties every night of the week make this an unlikely hotspot. It also supports up-and-coming video artists; check out the projection screens for the next big thing. Only bowlers of legal drinking age are allowed in after 7 p.m. From $5 per person, depending on the time and day of the week; $4 for shoe rental.

Disneyland 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., 714/781-4565, Anaheim, disney.go.comAbout 35 miles south of LAX, Disney's first theme park has been recently rejuvenated for its 50th-birthday celebration, with new additions to Space Mountain and Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Some tips:

Looking for cheap souvenirs? For 50¢, penny-press machines create mementos emblazoned with one of 51 different events in park history. The most popular one--marking opening day in 1955--is in the Penny Arcade.

Disneyland offers a few unexpected and unadvertised extras. There's a baby-care center off Main Street with changing tables, rocking chairs, and nursing stations. If it's your birthday, swing by City Hall, where you can get a call from Goofy and an IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! sticker. Waiters at park restaurants may even sing to you or give you a dessert when they see the sticker.

On busy days, Splash Mountain quickly runs out of its allotted number of Fastpasses. Snag one in the morning, even if you don't want to get soaked until the sun comes out. You won't be allowed on earlier than your assigned time, but you can board late (works with other rides, too).

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